Repel Missiles

Version 0.19: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

Repel Missiles

Repel Missiles is a level 2 Air/Charms spell which moderately protects the caster from ranged attacks.

Effect

When the spell is cast repelling missiles (Repel) status is gained. This status will not time out, instead on each successful deflection there is one in 2 + <power> / 8 chance of losing the status. The status can also be lost by magic-dispelling effects (like potion of cancellation or Quicksilver Bolt) or forgetting the spell.

While active Repel Missiles reduces the to-hit of ranged attacks against the caster to a random value between:

• vs single-target beams: 0% - 100% of its normal value
• vs penetrating bolts: 50% - 100% of its normal value

This spell only helps you to evade ranged attacks; it has no effect on your ability to block them.

Deflect Missiles is a more advanced version of Repel Missiles and it's effect overrides Repel Missiles' effect.

Strategy

Although this spell is inferior to Deflect Missiles, it's still much better than nothing, especially in the early Dungeon when Deflect Missiles isn't available and you might encounter centaurs (who have made pincushions of many a low-level player). It's also easier to cast, making it useful for hybrid-style casters who might not be ready for Deflect Missiles yet. Knowing either of the two spells is very useful while exploring the Shoals, the Elven Halls, and other areas infested with enemies who love to shoot at you.

Other sources

• The Amulet of the Air is an unrandart amulet that produces a permanent repel missiles effect.
• Demonspawn with the Repulsion Field will eventually develop a permanent repel missiles effect as well.
• Worshipers of Qazlal will eventually acquire a permanent Repel Missiles effect with enough piety.

History

Prior to 0.14, repelling missiles status expired based on a timer.